Publication Date: May 7th, 2000
Publication Type(s): Peer-reviewed Journal Publications
Topic(s): Health Services, Hospitals and Clinics
Author(s): Rohrer, J., Vaughn, T., Knott, A. & Westermann, J.
Abstract: Visits to physicians (MDs), physician assistants (PAs) or nurse practitioners (NPs) by residents of a rural county in the upper-middle west of the United States were analysed in this study. A telephone survey yielded 250 responses. The dependent variable was the natural logarithm of the number of times the respondent had seen a health professional (MD, PA or NP) in the past two years. Predisposing, enabling and medical need variables were tested as potential predictors of visits. Self-rated health status, being unable to perform usual activities, and feeling upset or ‘down in the dumps’ proved to be important predictors, as was having a usual source of care. Health insurance coverage and family income was not, however. Unexpectedly, smokers also reported more visits. The implications for policy and future research are discussed.
Published in: Health Services Management Research